Hi Rob, thank you for the picture. I am assuming that the star shaped badges are the earlier version. The other badge is the same design as badges I have seen of the other predecessors of the NMR, and the Umzimkulu Mounted Rifles were only formed in 1884. The first NMR badge also has this design. Other than this, I can't date them. I have seen a photograph depicting the VMR during the Zulu War wearing a small VMR title on a cap in an Osprey book. The picture you shared is also there. Looking at the pictures in this book, it appears that few of these units wore badges on their helmets when preparing for battle. Any additional info would be greatly appreciated. Regards Andrew
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